popularity || sanders sides [DISCONTINUED]

7 | Roman

Chapter 7: Emo Nightmare
Roman Castillo

I knew that Logan and Patton were probably already making out behind me at the table, while I was being forced to talk to someone I didn't even know, who looked more alone than the most single Pringle in existence. I had longed to be home all of a sudden, knowing that this is what today has become. Patton would pay for this, and he knew he would. But for now...it was impossible to be mad at him.

The kid that Patton told me about--Virgil, I think it was--was sitting at a table in the corner by himself. This reaffirmed my feelings, only making me want to turn back to the table and abort the mission even more. Why did Patton care about him anyways? He was just a loser, just as Logan and he had been before I added them to the unofficial group Veronica and I had founded.

Virgil looked even more lonely up close. He had a pale face with way too much dark eyeshadow under his eyes--trust me, I'm no stranger when it comes to eyeshadow. A prince of high school has got to slay--and he was wearing dark clothes. Man, what an emo!

I walked to his table and got his attention by tapping his shoulder, and he looked at me strangely, "What do you want?" Oh man, I already hate him based on his tone. Sighing, I replied, "Do you want to join my table?" I pointed with my thumb to my table, where I know that Veronica was waving at Virgil and Patton and Logan were probably having a moment.

"I would much rather choke on my own spit, but sure." Virgil replied. I groaned and led him to my table, where Patton was looking as happy as ever, Logan had a blank expression, and where Veronica was on her phone.

Virgil plopped down next to Patton and began eating again. I tried to focus on eating as well, but could only focus on Virgil. He was certainly an odd one.

"Are you going to eat that?" Veronica asked Virgil, motioning to his garlic toast. Today was spaghetti day. He shook his head and handed it to her.

When he was done with his food, Virgil took his tray up and when he came back, he quietly told us that he was gonna use the bathroom. I didn't think anything of that; using the bathroom was a normal thing that humans, and all animals, at that, did.

"You should invite him over for a sleepover this weekend," Patton suggested, a smirk making its way to his lips. I was suspicious again, "Why's that?"

"Because I said so. I really think you two could really have a good bond if you tried! He's not the worst person alive. Can't you just try?" He asked. I groaned, and Logan told Patton not to force me into doing anything, but his boyfriend kept going, "C'mon, Roman!"

I thought for a second, and was trapped by Patton, who was giving me the puppy dog eyes, "Fine! I'll do it! Whatever..."

"YAY!" Patton threw his arms into the air and knocked over his milk in the process. Logan went to get paper towels and during that time, Virgil came back. I went back to eating.

Goddamn Patton's puppy dog eyes.

BONUS
Chapter 7.5: The Sign-Ups
Patton's P.O.V.

I smiled after seeing my plan come perfectly into play. Roman agreed to inviting Virgil over for the weekend. I could see them getting even closer in the near future; maybe they would even become friends!

Roman gasped, "Look! Play signups!" We were walking down the hall—about to leave school—and he saw a paper hanging on the wall with big letters that read "AFTER-SCHOOL PLAY" and in smaller letters, it said "This year we are doing a production of Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit musical, Hamilton."

That was all that my friend needed to scribble his name on the sheet. Logan looked closer at the paper and turned to me, "Patton, look." he said, waving me over. I walked to him and looked at the sheet in awe. Right above Roman's name, in messy handwriting, was the name Virgil. Virgil signed up for the play too!

"I doubt he'll get an important role." Roman said dismissively. Tryouts were on Monday--today is Friday--and results would come out a few days afterwards, so we would just have to wait and see.

"I'm gonna try out, too!" I said, going up and putting my name on the sheet. From what I've heard, I know that the practices and performances wouldn't mess with cheerleading, so it was perfectly fine for me to take on drama.

Logan added his name to the spot on the sheet where people who wanted to be in the crew would sign and looked back at me, "Are you ready to go prepare for the game now?" He asked. I nodded, and he walked Roman and I to where the cheerleaders and football players were practicing.